Stephanie McMahon
Head of Research
While London still has the glitz and glamour to attract millions of tourists from across the world, thousands of people are starting to abandon the capital to move to many of the UK’s smaller cities. In fact, figures from the Office for National Statistics show that last year over 58,000 people aged 30 to 39 left London. And not all are buying cottages in the countryside – many still want city living but without the cost and hassle of living in London.
Small city living
Living in a smaller city has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to expect when making the move from the metropolis of London to more compact alternatives.
• Easier to get around: Living in cities where the edge is just a mile or two from the centre means you can get around fairly easily, with cycling to work a viable option. You might even be able to walk to work and live near the countryside.
• Still traffic jams: Despite their compact nature, these smaller cities won’t have the transport infrastructure of London. The lack of major roads, regular buses and the Underground could mean rush hour becomes a nightmare, especially in historic tourist cities.
• Amenities: You might not have world class opera, but you may be surprised by the level and quality of cafes, restaurants and theatres in cities outside of London. Torquay was recently voted by Rightmove as the best place for things to do – ahead of London.
• Countryside: In London, going to the countryside usually involves a detour via King’s Cross to get a train out of the city, or tackling the M25. In smaller cities, you can pop into your car and be in rolling fields, rugged coast or snowy Munros in a matter of minutes.
• City centres: You’ll probably spend more time in the centre as local neighbourhoods won’t have the facilities that London suburbs do.
• Opening times: But you won’t have the flexibility you get in the capital with your Christmas shopping as many stores close earlier. You’ll learn to love Thursday’s late night shopping.
• Neighbours: Community is a big attraction in smaller cities where even city centres feel more local and friendly.
• Quality of life: From cleaner air, good schools, green spaces, lower cost of living and lower crime rates, smaller cities are often praised for their higher quality of life, especially when raising a family.
Where to go?
Cambridge: For keeping in touch with London
Being close enough to London to class as prime commuter territory, Cambridge also has enough appeal to stand on its own two feet. From its historic university and colleges to its array of eateries and eccentric attitude - there’s enough to keep city lovers busy for years. Despite high levels of commuters, it’s got a lot going for it on the jobs front with many bio-medical companies having set up here over the past few years and 15.7% jobs growth in the past decade.
Norwich: For the sense of community
Employment rates, house price growth, the ‘Golden Triangle’ area - there’s plenty to recommend this once forgotten City of Norwich. The East Anglian gem is often voted as one of the best places to live in the UK thanks to its friendly people, progressive attitude and easy access to nature and the coast.
Chester: For a taste of history
Historic Chester has undergone a recent renaissance, and is classed by Rightmove as the 5th happiest place to live in the country. This is down to its great amenities, sense of safety, and community spirit, which has given locals a reason to be proud of their city once again. It also has Michelin-starred restaurants, amazing city walls and, of course a zoo to rival even London’s.
Exeter: For dramatic surroundings
Surrounded by lush, Devonshire countryside and dramatic coastlines, Exeter offers a slice of city living for those who love nature. Thanks to its high student population (1 in 10 people in the city are students) it has a youthful vibe while the historic centre offers a more laid back pace of life.
Winchester: For a bit of everything
Mixing a sense of history - thanks to its famous Cathedral - with the great countryside of the New Forest, together with modern shopping and dining Winchester has it all. Close enough to London to visit for special occasions but with enough going on to mean you never have to make the trip, Winchester is one of the most sought after locations in the south.